"Dune" Prequel Series Gets New Title & Release Window

After undergoing a variety of creative overhauls, the Dune prequel series has a new title and release window.

Originally subtitled "The Sisterhood", the Max series is set 10,000 years before Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic novel and Denis Villeneuve's 2021 movie, exploring the origins of the Bene Gesserit and centering on two sisters who would go on to form the mystical religious sect. 

Chernobyl's Emily Watson is leading the Dune: Prophecy cast alongside Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Sarah-Sofi Boussina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chloe Lea, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, Jade Anouka, and Chris Mason.

On the same day that "Dune: Part Two" was originally supposed to release, IGN has reported that its prequel series has changed titles. 

After reports swirled online of the change, sources have confirmed that the series is now called "Dune: Prophecy". 

The series' release window has also been officially confirmed to be Fall 2024, with production said to be currently underway in Hungary as its cast is made up of actors not part of SAG-AFTRA, subsequently allowing them to continue working.

Despite being ordered in 2019, the Dune prequel series has endured a troubled and lengthy development cycle, with Villeneuve's co-writer Jon Spaihts originally set as showrunner before leaving to focus on Part Two, while other reports indicated that Legendary removed him after being dissatisfied with his early work. 

Villeneuve himself was also unable to direct the first episode as originally planned due to his schedule on the movie sequel, with another co-showrunner leaving and Alison Schapker remaining as the sole showrunner and a director's exit leaving the series on hold while two actors were recast.

With production finally getting underway and avoiding strike-related delays due to its roster being comprised of Equity actors instead of SAG-AFTRA, the series seemed to finally be gaining ground, and its Fall 2024 release window seemingly confirms it's making good progress. That being said, the series' change in title to Prophecy is sure to raise some eyebrows. 

The project had scored early criticism for its lack of female creatives aside from Herbert's granddaughter, Kim, especially given it's meant to be a female-driven story.

Removing Sisterhood from the series' title could indicate the series is aiming to flesh out the sci-fi franchise beyond just the Bene Gesserit. Given the ominous nature of the group, this could be a welcome decision for dedicated fans of Herbert's novel, though for those interested in primarily learning about their origins, Dune: Prophecy choosing not to largely focus on this could lead to some division if the title change proves this to be the case.

With a year still remaining until the series' planned release window, one can hope future updates offer better insight for the series' vision and connections to Villeneuve's movies.